9 Discounts Dubuque Drivers Forget when Buying Car Insurance

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an overpriced car insurance policy? Believe me, you’re not alone. Because there are so many insurance companies to choose from, it is hard for the average consumer to find the most affordable insurance company.

Discounts are great for lower rates

Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, but you can get discounts to cut the cost considerably. Some discounts apply automatically when you quote, but a few must be asked for prior to getting the savings. If you don’t get every credit you qualify for, you’re paying more than you need to.

• Defensive Driver – Completing a course teaching defensive driving skills could save 5% or more and easily recoup the cost of the course.
• Low Mileage – Fewer annual miles could qualify for better rates on cars that stay parked.
• Own a Home – Simply owning a home can save you money because owning a home shows financial diligence.
• Sign Early and Save – A few companies offer discounts for switching policies prior to your current policy expiration. It can save you around 10%.
• Good Students Pay Less – This discount can earn a discount of 20% or more. The good student discount can last up to age 25.
• Payment Discounts – If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you could save up to 5%.
• Safe Driver Discount – Drivers who avoid accidents may save up to 50% more than their less cautious counterparts.
• Discount for Life Insurance – Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
• Air Bag Discount – Vehicles with factory air bags can get savings up to 30%.

As a disclaimer on discounts, some of the credits will not apply to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. Just because it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, car insurance companies aren’t that generous. Any qualifying discounts will bring down the cost of coverage.

For a list of providers who offer car insurance discounts in Iowa, click here.

What happened to insurance agents?

Some consumers would rather buy from a licensed agent and that is a personal choice. Insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and help submit paperwork. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you can get lower rates but also keep your business local. And providing support for local insurance agencies is especially important in Dubuque.

To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your coverage information is emailed to local insurance agents in Dubuque who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to even leave your home because quoted prices will be sent to the email address you provide.

To select a specific agent in Dubuque, visit this site.

Choosing an insurer shouldn’t rely on just a low price. These are valid questions to ask:

• Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
• How long has their agency been open in Dubuque?
• Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
• If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
• How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?

Once you have received positive feedback to these questions and a low price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an provider that meets your needs to adequately provide car insurance. Just keep in mind once you purchase a policy you can terminate your policy whenever you wish so don’t assume that you are obligated to the car insurance policy for the full term.

Additional reading for car insurance information

Additional car insurance information is located on the website for the Iowa Insurance Division. Click here for link. Iowa consumers can read consumer alerts, learn about specific coverages, read industry bulletins, and find a variety of consumer forms.

Car insurance coverage breakdown

Understanding the coverages of your car insurance policy helps when choosing appropriate coverage for your vehicles. Policy terminology can be confusing and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Below you’ll find the normal coverages offered by car insurance companies.

Collision insurance

Collision insurance pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from colliding with another car or object. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.

Collision coverage protects against things like colliding with another moving vehicle, hitting a parking meter, rolling your car and sideswiping another vehicle. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider removing coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Drivers also have the option to choose a higher deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Auto liability

Liability insurance can cover damage that occurs to people or other property. Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. You might see limits of 100/300/100 that means you have $100,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $300,000, and property damage coverage for $100,000. Alternatively, you may have a combined limit which provides one coverage limit rather than limiting it on a per person basis.

Liability insurance covers things like medical services, court costs, medical expenses and repair bills for other people’s vehicles. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is a decision to put some thought into, but buy as high a limit as you can afford. Iowa requires minimum liability limits of 20,000/40,000/15,000 but you should consider buying more coverage.

Comprehensive car insurance

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage protects against claims such as damage from a tornado or hurricane, falling objects, fire damage, hitting a bird and a tree branch falling on your vehicle. The most a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle is not worth much it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage gives you protection when other motorists either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered claims include injuries to you and your family and also any damage incurred to your vehicle.

Due to the fact that many Iowa drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (which is 20/40/15), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is very important. Usually these coverages do not exceed the liability coverage limits.

Coverage for medical expenses

Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for expenses for things like pain medications, funeral costs, dental work, nursing services and rehabilitation expenses. They are often used in conjunction with a health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. Medical payments and PIP cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants in addition to if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal injury protection coverage is not an option in every state and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay

One last thing about your coverage

Discount car insurance is available both online as well as from independent agents in Dubuque, so compare prices from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.

When buying insurance coverage, don’t be tempted to sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. Too many times, consumers will sacrifice physical damage coverage to discover at claim time they didn’t have enough coverage. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price.